Carbonylation of organomercurials

ABSTRACT

Carboxylic acids and carboxylic acid esters are prepared by the carbonylation of organomercurials in a solvent comprising either carboxylic acids or alcohols and in the presence of a Group VIII metal catalyst complex.

United States Patent [191 Baird, Jr. et al.

[ CARBONYLATION OF ORGANOMERCURIALS [75] Inventors: William C. Baird, Jr., Westfield;

Ronald L. Hartgerink, Edison; John H. Surridge, Scotch Plains, all of NJ.

[73] Assignee: Exxon Research & Engineering Company, Linden, NJ.

[22] Filed: Mar. 9, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 233,338

[ Nov. 4, 1975 [56] References Cited OTHER PUBLICATIONS Remy, H., Treatise on Inorganic Chemistry, (1956), Vol. II. Pub. by Elsevier Pub. 'Co. of N. Y. p. 476 cite.

Primary ExaminerAnt0n I-I. Sutto Assistant Examiner-L. A. Thaxton Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Joseph J. Allocca [57] ABSTRACT Carboxylic acids and carboxylic acid esters are prepared by the carbonylation of organomercurials in a solvent comprising either carboxylic acids or alcohols and in the presence of a Group VIII metal catalyst complex.

13 Claims, No Drawings CARBONYLATION OF ORGANOMERCURIALS This invention relates to the carbonylation of organomercurials. In one aspect it relates to the preparation of carboxylic acids by the carbonylation of organomercurials. In another aspect, it relates to the preparation of carboxylic acid esters by carbonylation in alcoholic media in the presence of Group VIII metal catalysts.

The reaction of organomercurials with carbon monoxide has been reported to occur through the insertion of carbon monoxide. Davidson et al. (Chem. Commun., 126 (1966); J. Chem. Soc., 1609 (1968); J. Chem. Soc., 193 (1969) have studied this reaction in various hydroxylic solvents under conditions of high temperature and pressure. The reaction was nonselective and yielded product mixtures containing carboxylic acids, esters, keto esters, alcohols, and substituted 'alkanes. Fenton (US. Pat. No. 3,480,669, Nov. 25, 1969) reported the carbonylation of aryl mercurials in inert media. The reaction required high temperatures and pressures, long reaction periods, and provided low yields of product mixtures. I-Ieck (J. Amer. Chem. Soc, 90, 5546 (1968)) and Henry (Tetrahedrom Lett., 2285 (1968); Brit. 1,164,561, Sept. 17, 1969)) utilized aryl mercurials as precursors to reactive organopalladium and organorohodium compounds by metal exchange with halide salts of these metals (eq. 1). Carbonylation of these organometallics under mild conditions gave in some cases mixtures of acids and esters, and in other mixtures of these compounds with ketones and coupled products (eq. 2).

C-HgX PdCl Q C PdCl I-IgXCl 1 C-PdCl CO Products Pd 2 The reaction sequence produced a mercury (II) salt and palladium metal in stoichiometric amounts. If copper (II) chloride was added as an oxidizing agent to the acid/ester producing reactions, these reactions became catalytic in palladium. However, the conversion of organomercurial, even under these circumstances, did not exceed 50-60%.

It has now been found that certain Group VIII metal complexes effectively catalyze the carbonylation of carbon-mercury bonds under mild conditions to yield carboxylic acids or esters exclusively in high conversions. These reactions are qenuinely catalytic with respect to the Group VIII metal and no additional reagents are required to reactivate or to recycle the catalyst. Metallic mercury is produced as a byproduct in a form suitable for recycle according to the process described in Ser. No. 197,104, filed in Nov. 9, 1971, now US. Pat. No. 3,792,069.

The overall reaction for the conversion of organomercurials to acids or esters is illustrated by the following equation:

The catalyst in the above equation is characterized by one of the following formulae:

I Y n The radicals defined by R" and attached to Z may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of C C linear and branched hydrocarbyl, C C cyclic alkyls, C C alkenyls and C C alkynyls; C,C alkoxy, C C aryloxy and C -C aryls. One or more substituents may be located in any position along the carbon skeleton and are selected from the group consisting of halide, hydroxide, carboxylate, carboxyl, carboalkoxyl, cyano, amino, acylamino, C C alkylamino, C C arylamino, nitro, sulfonate, carbonyl, C -C aryl, C C alkoxyl, C -C aryloxyl, acyl and aroyl. Z is either a metal or metal oxide and is one selected from the group consisting of phosphorus, arsenic, antimony and the pentavalent oxide of each. A is selected from the group carbonyl, nitrile, isonitrile, and amine. A preferred A is the carbonyl (CO) radical. M is a Group VIII metal; Q is an anion; m is an integer ranging from 0 to 4; x is an integer ranging from 0 to 3; n is an integer ranging from 0 to 4 and the values of m and n are determined largely by the oxidation state of the Group VIII metal.

The various R groups which are complexed with the Z metal generate those ligands known as phosphines, phosphates, phosphites, arsines, arsenates, arsenites, stibines, stibites and stibates.

Specific examples of ligands useful in this invention are as follows: trimethylphosphine, triethylphosphine, tributylphosphine, tricyclohexylphosphine, tris(perfluoromethyl) phosphine, trivinylphosphine, triallylphosphine, triphenylphosphine, tritolylphosphine, trimethylphosphine, triethylphosphite, triphenylphosphite, tri-t-butylphosphite, tristyrylphosphine dimethylphenylphosphine, diphenylmethylphosphine, trimethylphosphate, tributylphospl'late, triphenylphosphate, bis( diphenylphosphinoe thane); bis( diphenylphosphinoethene); triphenylarsinie, triphenylstibine, and bis(diphenylarsenoethane).

It is to be understood that the various R" groups can be an integral part of a polymeric structure such as that attained by the polymerization of styrene monomers containing dialkyl, diaryl, or alkyl aryl phosphine substituents as herein defined above. These polymeric structures may also be derived from post-polymerization modification of polymers as described by Grubbs and Kroll, JQAm. Chem. Soc., 93, 3062 (1971). It is also to be understood that catalysts represented by formulae I and II may be bonded to a solid support with the bonding, or anchoring, proceeding through one or more of the R groups as illustrated in the British Petroleum German Pat. Nos. 2,062,351; 2,062,352 and issued on June 24, 1971.

It is further understood that when m O, the metal salts, MQ,,, may be supported on a conventional solid support. Representative supports are carbon, silica, alumina, resins and similar inert materials. The metal content of such supported catalysts may range from 0.1 to 50 weight percent.

It is also to be understood that the R" groups can be attached to polymers attained by the polymerization of styrene monomers containing dialkyl, diary] and diary] alkyl phosphine substituents.

Although we have broadly stated that the Group VIII metals are useful in forming these catalyst complexes, we prefer to use the noble metals such as ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium and platinum for the synthesis of the subject catalyst. The oxidation state of these metals ranges from 0 to +4.

Anions (Q') that are useful in this invention are illustriphenylphosphine)chlororuthenium 1 chloroacetate,

trated by the following: hydridefchloride, bromide, io-

dide, perchlorate, sulfate, nitrate, nitri'te,-bisulfate, hy-

methylsulfonate, 'phenylsulfonate, trifluoromethylsulfonate, acetyl acetonate, carbox'ylate, halcarboxylate, alkylsulfate and s'ulfonate, .haloalkylsulfonate, sulfonic acid resin saltjbetadiketone, beta-disulfone, beta-disulfoxide Specific-catalysts useful in this inventionare as follows; tris( triphenylphosphine )chlororhodium I tris( (I); tris)triphenylphosphine) hydridodichlororuthenium (ll); tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (O); tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)platinum (O); bis(triphenylphosphine)dichloropalladium (ll); bis(triphenylphosphine)dichloroplatinum (II); bis(triphenylphosphine)- chlorocarbonyliridium (I); di[ 1 ,2-bis( diphenylphosphinoethape] dichloroosmium ,(II

The organomercury compounds that can be converted to either carboxylic acids or esters by thesubject process are characterized by the formula: R(l-lgQ) where R is one selected from the group consisting of C C linear, branched and cyclic alkyls, alkenyls, and alkynyls; and C C aryls. One or more substituents may be located in any position of the carbon skeleton and are selected from the group consisting of halide, hydroxide, carboxylate, carboxyl, carboalkoxyl, cyano, amino, acylamino, alkylamino, arylamino, nitro, sulfonate, carbonyl, aryl, alkoxyl, aryloxyl, acyl, aroyl, nitrate, hydrosulfide, alkylsulfide, arylsulfide and azide. Q is an anion selected from, the group consisting of chloride, bromide, iodide, perchlorate, nitrate, sulfate,

bisulfate, hydroxide, alkoxide, aryloxide, acetate, propionate, butyrate, pivalate, neohexanoate, benzoate, trichloroacetate, trifluoroacetate, methyl sulfonate, phenyl sulfonate, trifluoromethyl sulfonate. Preferred anions are selected from among the several carboxylate anions.

One or more l-IgQ radicals may be attached to any carbon atom of the above-described organic group R to generate any of the several classes of organomercurials.

When .HgQ is attached directly to an aromatic'ring, aryl mercury salts result and these are not restricted to benzene and its derivatives, but include as well, polynuclear aromatics such as naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, which may carry the substituents described above.

Aromatic nuclei present in polymeric systems which i are capable of mercuration are also included under the their derivatives are also able to, be converted to acids or esters via their 'mercuration under the rocessor this invention. I

Another class of mercurials that can be supplied to this reaction are those derived from metalloceries and substituted metallocenes bearing substituents as 'defined'above in the description of R. Metallocenes of interest include ferrocene, cobalticene, cymantrene,"diben'zchromium and related organometallics.

Specific examples of those organomercuric compounds represented by R(HgQ) include methylmercuric chloride; ethylmercuric acetate; propylmercuric bromide; cyclohexylmercuric chloride; isopropylmercuric iodide; tertiary butylmercuric chloride; dodecylmercuric propionate; hexadecylmercuric nitrate; eicosylmercuric perchlorate; B-phenylethylmercuric pivalate; 3-chloropropylmercuric trifluoroacetate; 5- hydroxypentylmercuric acetate; 4-acetoxybutylmercuric chloride; 3-ketohexylmercuric trifluoromethanesulfonate; 8-methoxydecylmercuric butyrate; l-acetoxymercuri-Z-acetoxyethane; l-bromomercuri-2- methoxyhexane; 1-chloromercuri-Z-acetamidobutane; 1 -iodomercuri-2-t-buto xycyclohexane; l-isopropoxyl-phenyl-2-t1ifluoroacetoxymercuriethane; V lchloromercuri-Z,3-dichloropropane; l 4-diacetoxymercuri-2,3-diacetoxybutane; l ,2-dihydroxy-3- acetoxymercuributane; l-methoxy-2-bromomercuri-3- ketobutane; 2-cyano-2-ethoxyethylmercuric pivalate; 2,5-dimethoxypentylmercuric nitrate; alkylmercuric chloride; 3-meth'oryallylmercuric hydroxide; crotylmercuric iodide; transl-acetoxymercuri-4-acetoxybutene-2; 3-cyclohexenylmercuric bromide; isopropenylmercuric chloride; 2,2-diphenylvinylmercuric nitrate; 2-phenyl-3-trifluoroacetoxymercuric norbornene-Z; trans-2-chlorovinylmercuric chloride; 1,2,2-trichlorovinylmercuric propionate; phenylmercuric trifluoroacetate; 4-isopropylphenylmercuric ethoxide; 4- hydroxyphenylmercuric acetate; 2,4,5-trimethylphenylmercuric pivalate; 4,4'-bis(acetoxymercuri)- biphenyl; '3-carbomethoxyphenylmercuric chloride; 4- chlorophenylmercuric perchlorate; 4-ethoxyphenylmercuric bromide; 1,4acetoxymercuri-2,S-dimethylbenzene; 2-naphthylmercuric butyrate; ,1 ,4-dicarbomethoxy-2-trifluoroacetoxymercuribenzene; acetoxymercuriresorcinol; l-amino-2,4-diacetoxymercurinaphthalene; 3-chloro- 2-methoxyphenylmercuric nitrate; 5- chloro-2-hydroxyphenylmercuric trifluoromethanesulfonate; 4-hydroxymercuri-Z-nitrophenol; chloromercuriferrocene; dichloromercuriferrocene; acetoxymercuripolystyrene; 2-chloromercuripyrolle; 2,5- dichloromercurithiophene and acetoxymercuricyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl.

The more preferred organomercuric compounds are set out in the following table with the product that results from using them as the starting material.

RHgQ Product Vinylmercuric acetate Methyl acrylate Trifluoroacetoxymerc uri-p-xylene 'Acetoxymercuri aniline Acetoxymercuri pseudocumene Acetoxymercuri polystyrene 2,5-Xylic acid, methyl ester Ethyl aminobenzoates Methyl durilate Carbomethoxy polystyrene phenol,

-continued RHgQ Product Trifluroacetoxymercuri dimethyl terephthalate Trirnethyl trirnellitate 2,3-Bis(acetoxymercuri) naphthalene 4-(acetoxymercuri)-1.2-dimethyl benzene 4-( acetoxymercuri 1 ,3-dimethyl benzene 4,5-Bis(acetoxymercuri)-l,2- dimethyl benzene 4,6-Bis(trifluoroacetoxymercuri) -l,3-c1imethyl benzene Procedures for preparing organomercurials are found in (a) F. Whitmore, Organic Compounds of Mercury, The Chemical Catalog Co., New York, N.Y'., 1921; (b) N. Hagihara, M. Kumada and R. Okawara, Handbook of' Organometallic Compounds, W. A. Benjamin, lnc.,"New York, N.Y., 1968; (c) J. Chatt, Chemical Reviews, 1951.

A variety of alcohols may be utilized in this invention. Suitable alcohols are primary, secondary, and'tertiary C -C aliphatic and cycloaliphatic alcohols,

C -C unsaturated alcohols, C -C hydroxy aromatics, C C glycols, triols and higher polyols.

Examples of these hydroxy compounds are methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, tertiary butyl alcohol, neohexyl alcohol, cyclohexanol, n-octanol, 2-ethylhexanol, dodecyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, cyclopentanol, cyclooctanol, cyclododecanol, allyl alcohol, crotyl alcohol, cyclohexen-3-ol,

resorcinol, hydroquinone, 4,4'-dihydroxybiphenyl, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3- propanediol, l,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanidiol, 1,4- butene-2-diol, glycerol.

In the event that the organomercurial compound is to be converted to its carboxylic acid rather than its ester, then the alcoholic reactant illustrated and enumerated hereinabove is substituted by a low molecular weight carboxylic acid. Useful acids for the purpose are C -C carboxylic acids such as acetic, propionic, butyric, pivalic, neohexanoic, neodecanoic, chloroacetic, trichloroacetic, trifluoroacetic and benzoic acids.

While ordinarily an alcohol or a carboxylic acid will serve as the reaction medium,it may be desirable to employ a cosolvent. The cosolvent may be required to dissolve a difficulty soluble organomercurial or to provide a liquid medium if the reacting alcohol or acid is a solid at reaction conditions. The cosolvent is added to the carboxylation reaction and is selected from among the following compounds: C -C alkanes such as pentane, isooctane, cycloheptane, dodecane; C -C aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylenes, mesitylene; ethers such as tetrahydrofuran, diglyme, dimethoxyethane; halocarbons such as methylene chloride, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, freons, fluorocarbons; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclopentanone, cyclohexanone, acetophenone; esters such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, ethyl propionate, amyl butyrate; nitro compounds such as nitromethane, nitroethane, nitropropane, nitrobenzene; nitriles such as acetonitrile, propionitrile, benzonitrile, acrylonitrile; carbonates such as ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate; tsulfoxides such as dimethyl sulfoxide; sulfones such as sulfolene and sulfolane.

The reaction temperatures range from 0 to 500C. preferably from 20 to 200C.

The pressures range from 1. to 1,000 atmospheres, preferably from 2 to 30 atmospheres. The partial pressure of CO ranges from 0.0101 to 1,000 atmospheres, preferably 0.1-50 atmospheres.

The reactants can be charged in any order and the reaction catalysts can either be preformed or generated in situ by the separate addition of the individual catalyst components in any proportion.

It is also to be understood that the process can be operated in either a continuous, semi-continuous or a batch operation.

The mole ratios of the reactants are not critical; however, it is preferable to maintain molar excesses of carbon monoxide and either the alcohol or carboxylic acid relative to the moles of organomercurial compound particularly when the latter materials serve as the reaction medium.

The mole ratios range from 11 mole of carbon monoxide to 1,000 moles per mole ofmercurial compound and preferably from 2 to 200 mo1e per mole of mercurial compound.

The'amount of alcohol or carboxylic acid also ranges from 1 to 1,000 moles of either alcohol or acid per mole of mercurial compound and preferably from 2 to 200 moles of either the alcohol or the acid per mole of mercurial compound.

The amount of catalyst charged to the reaction is also not critical and ranges from 1 to 50,000 moles of mercurial compound per mole of catalyst preferably from 10 to 10,000 moles per mole of catalyst. The stoichiometric amounts of the organomercurial compound as well as carbon monoxide to either the alcohol or the acid are independent of the presence or absence of a cosolvent. When a cosolvent is employed, it may be present in the reaction medium in the amount of l to 500 volume percent relative to the alcohol or carboxylic acid ester.

The purity of the reactants is not critical, and the reaction does not require anhydrous conditions. Carbon monoxide can be supplied as pure carbon monoxide, as synthesis gas mixed with hydrogen, or as steam cracker gas mixed with hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

The carboxylic acids and esters produced by this reaction enjoy a variety or uses in the chemicals business. Predominant among these are such applications as plasticizers, polymers, pharmaceuticals, dyes, additives and detergents.

Some illustrative examples representing the conversion of specific feeds to valuable products are: ethylene to methyl acrylate; ethyl benzene to vinyl benzoic acid (carboxylation and dehydrogenation); polystyrene to 7 carboxypolystyrene; methyl benzoate to dioctyl phthalate; dimethyl terephthalate to trimethyl trimetllitate; o-, m-, and p-xylene to trimellitic anhydride (carboxylation and oxidation); o-and m-xylenes to pyromellitic nate was identified by vpc and nmr comparison with authentic material and was found to be present in a 66% yield based on starting ethylmercuric acetate. A 75% yield of mercury metal was obtained and thiocyadianhydride (dicarboxylation and oxidation); nate titration of the reaction mixture indicated 25% repseudocumene to pyromellitic dianhydride (carboxylmaining ethylmercuric acetate. ation and oxidation); chlorobenzene to p-chlorobenzoic acid; anisole to p-anisic acid; aniline to p- EXAMPLES 2 11 aminobenzoic acid or to benzocaine; phenol to p- In examples 2II (see Table l), the procedure of exhydroxybenzoid acid or to salicylic acid; durene to tetample l was used. ramethyl dimethyl terephthalate; biphenyl to 4,4- dicarboxybiphenyl; naphthalene to 2,3-naphthalene di- EXAMPLE l2 carboxylic acid; 2-methylnaphthalene to 3-methyl-2- Examples 12 and 13 illustrate the effectiveness of this naphthoic acid. invention in producing aromatic esters from aromatic The following examples will illustrate the principles mercurials. In a 500 ml. glass bomb fitted with a teflon of the inventive concept expressed therein: pressure valve were placed 7.8 g. mmole) phenylmercuric trifluoroacetate 100 ml. methanol and 0.14 EXAMPLE I g. (0.2 mmole) b1s(tr1phenylphosphme)dlchloropal- Into a 45 ml. Parr stainless-steel reactor was charged ladium (II). The bomb pressure was reduced to approx- 0.289 g. (1.0 mmole) of ethylmercuric acetate, 0.020 20 imately mm. and then carbon monoxide was added g. (0.020 mmole) tris(triphenylphosphine)chlororto a pressure of 60 psig. The reaction mixture was hodium (I), 10 ml. of methanol and a small magnetic shaken and heated at 90C. for 1.5 hr. At the end of this stirrer. The bomb was closed, purged with CO, and period the bomb contained a clear, colorless solution then pressurized with CO to 500 psig. The bomb was over a small pool of metallic mercury. By gas chrothen suspended in an oil bath at 100C. and stirred 25 matographic analysis the methanol phase contained a magnetically. After 24 hours the bomb was cooled in 78% yield of methyl benzoate. The mercury was colice, opened and its contents analyzed. Methyl propiolected by filtration, weight 3.76 g. (94%).

' TABLE 1 Reaction Conditions CO Mercurial Feed Alcohol/ Catalyst pressure Time Temp. Example (g.) (mmole) Solvent(ml) (g.) (mmole) (psig) (hr.) (C) 2 n-I-Iexylmercuric CH3OH (250) Tris(triphen- 910 6 63 nylphosphine)- acetate chlororhodium (I) 5.16) 15.0) (0.10) (0.10 3 n-Dodecylmercuric CH OH (70) Tris(triphe- 500 I00 nylphosphine)- acetate Tetrahydrofuran chlorohodium (I) 10.75) (25.1) (130) (0.525) (0.57) 4 Vinylmercuric CH3OH (l0) Bis(triphe- 200 1A 75 nylphosphine)diacetate chloropalladium (II) (0.287) 1.0) (0.007) 0.01) 5 lsopropenylmercuric CHQOH (l0) Bis(triphenylpho- 200 A 75 sphine)diacetate chloropalladium (5.0) (0.035) (0.05 6 2,2-Diphenylvinyl- CH3OH (70) Bis(triphenylpho- 500 3 75 sphine)dimercuric acetate Acetone (70) chloropalladium (4.39 10.0) (0.070) 0.10) 7 Allylmercuric CH Ol-I (20) Tris(triphenylpho- 500 1 I00 sphine) acetate chlororhodium (I) (2.0) (6.7) 0.030) (0.03) 8 l-Acetoxymercuri-2- CH3OH (250) Tris(triphenylpho- 21 I00 sphine)- methoxyhexane chlororhodium (I) (5.61 15.0) 0.10) (0.10) 9 LAcetoxymercuri-Z- CHSOI-I (250) Tris(triphenylpho- 20 sphine)- methoxycyclohexane chlororhodium (I) (5.58) 15.0) 0.10 0.10) 10 l-Acetoxymercuri-Z- CHQOH (250) Tris(triphe- 75 21 I00 nylphosphine) acetoxyethane chlororhodium (l) (5.19 (15.0) (0.10) (0.10) l I 2lmethoxyphenyll CH3OH (250) Tris(triphe- I000 24 nylphosphineethylmercuric chlororhodium (I) iodide (0.10) (0.10 (6.93) (15.0)

Yield Example Product(s) 2 Methyl heptanoate 63 8 Methyl B-methoxy- 28 3 Methyl tridecanoate 48 heptanoate 4 Methyl acrylate 74 9 I-Carbonmethoxy-2- 21 5 Methyl methacrylate 31 methoxycyclohexane 6 Methyl 2,2-diphenyl- 36 10 Methylfiacetoxy- 31 acrylate propanoate 7 Methyl-3-butenoate 35 I I Methyl 3-[methoxy- 44 phenyl l-propanoate EXAMPLE 13 EXAMPLES 1429 Examples 14 to 29 (see Table 11) illustrate this invention with respect to the variety of aryl mercurials which may be employed as substrates. in general, the procedure of example 13 was used. Products were identified by comparison of their chromatograms, spectra and physical constants with authenic samples.

A 10 EXAMPLE Piccolastic D-125 polystyrene was treated with mercuric trifluoroacetate in trifluoroacetic acid giving a mercurated crystalline polymer.

Employing essentially the same method as in example 13, 12.5 g. (20 meq. based on titration) of the mercurated polystyrene, ml. methanol, 0.15 g. (0.21 mmole) bis(triphenylphosphine)dichloropalladium (11), and 250 ml. dichloromethane as a cosolvent were charged toa. 1000 ml. stainless steel bomb. Under an initial carbon monoxide pressure of 90 psig, the reaction mixture was stirred at 75100C. for 1 hr. and was then cooled to ambient temperature. Filtration of the reaction mixture produced 6.0 g. of mercury metal. The filtrate was evaporated to a solid residue which was washed with refluxing methanol. The methanol insoluble material was collected by filtration and then dried at C. (150 mm) giving 3.8 g. of a crystalline product. Infrared and NMR spectrometric analysis indicated the incorporation of 20-25% methyl ester groups based on aromatic rings.

TABLE II Reaction Conditions Aryl Mercurial Ex- Feed Alcohol/ Catalyst Pres- Time Temp. Yield amsure ple (g.) (mmole) Solvent (m1.) (g.) (mmole) psig (hr.) (C) Product(s) (7c) 14 Trifluoroacetoxy CH OH (150) Bis(tripheny1phosphine)- 90 1.0 75 Methyl chloro- 7 5 mercuri-chlorohenzene dichloropalladium (11) benzoates (12.8) (30) (0.15) (0.21) 15 Acetoxymercurianisole CH OH (175) Bis(tripheny1phosphine)- 100 0.3 60 Methyl anisates (5.5) (15) dichloropalladium (11) (0.105) (0.15) 16 Trifluoroactoxymercuri- CH Ol-l (150) Bis(triphenylphosphine)- 90 1.0 Dimethyl phthal- 68 carbomethoxybenzene dichloropalladiurn (11) ates (9.8) (21.8) (0.15) (0.21) 17 4,4-Bis(trif1uor0ace- CH OH (200) Bis(triphenylphosphine)- 128 3.0 95 4,4'-Bip1'1enyl- 67 toxymercuri) biphenyl Tetrahydrofuran dichloropalladium (l1) dicarboxylic (20.3) (26) (100) (0.10) (0.14) acid, dimethyl ester 18 Trifluoroacetoxymercuri- CH OH (200) Bis(tripheny1phosphine)- 70 1.0 90 Methyl Toluates 88 toluene dichloropalladium (11) (12.7) (30) (0.10) (0.14) 19 Trifluoroacetoxymercuri- CH OH (200) Bis(triphenylphosphine)- 70 1.0 Methyl ethyl 99 ethylbenzene dichloropalladium (11) benzoates (11.1) (26.5) (0.10) (0.14) 20 Trifluoroacetoxymercuri- CH OH (200) Bis(triphenylphosphine)- 70 1.0 Methyl t-butyl- 75 t-butylbenzene dichloropalladium (11) benzoates (15.9) (28.5) (0.10) (0.14) 21 Trifluoroacetoxymercuri- CH OH (200) Bis(triphenylphosphine)- 70 1.0 90 2,5-Xy1ic Acid 84 p-xylene dichloropalladium (1]) methyl ester (15.3) (36.6) (0.10) (0.14) 22 Acetoxymercurianiline C H OH (150) Bis(triphenylphosphine)- 90 1.0 80 Ethyl aminoben- 10 (8.2) (20.0) dichloropalladium (ll) zoates (0.15) (0.21) 23 Acetoxymercuripseudo- CH OH (150) Bis(tripheny1phosphine)- 1.0 70 Methyl durilate 69 cumene dichloropalladium (ll) (5.7) (15) (0.10) (0.14) 24 Trifluoroacetoxynaph- CHgOH (200) Bis(triphenylphosphine)- 70 0.9 70 Methyl naphth- 60 thalene dichloropalladium (11) oates (16.0) (28.1) (0.10) (0.14) 25 Acetoxymercuri-m-xylene CH OH (200) Bis(tripheny1phosphine)- 100 1.0 85 2,4-Xy1ic Acid, 64

(12.3) (29.4) dichloropalladium ([1) methyl ester (0.10) (0.14) 26 Acetoxyrnercuri-o-xylene CH OH Bis(tripheny1phosphine)- 100 2.0 75 3,4-Xylic Acid, 85

(3.65) (10.0) dichloropalladium (1]) methyl ester (0.07) (0.10) 27 Trifluoroacetoxymercuri- CH OH (100) Bis(triphenylphosphine) 100 3.0 1 l0 Trimethyl tri- 30 dimethyl terephthalate dichloropalladium (11,) mellitate (5.06) (10.0) Tetrahydro- (0.14) (0.2)

furan (100) 28 4,5-Bis(trifluoroacetoxy- CH OH (200) Bis(triphenylphosphine)- 100 1.2 85 4,5 Dimethyl 67 mercuri)-1,2-dimethylbenzene dichloropalladium (ll) 7 'phthalic acid,

(8.8) (12.0) (0.17) (0.24) dimethyl ester 29 4.6-Bis(trifluoroacetoxy- CH OH (200) Bis(triphenylphosphine)- 100 1.0 80 -4,6-Dimethy1 3O mercuri( -1 .3-dimethy1benzene :isophthalic acid. dimethyl ester of themercurial used in these reactions. Essentially the oxide (50 psig) at 75C. for one-half hour to give a 66% yield of methyl benzoate based on starting mercurial.

v I I EX AMPLE36 Example was repeated except that the gas was a mixture of carbon monoxide 100 psig), hydrogen (100 psig), and carbon dioxide psig). The yield of methyl benzoate was 66% based on starting mercurial.

states, and ligands. Essentially the procedure of either 15 example 1 or example 13 was used in each case.

EXAMPLES 31-34 Examples 31 to 34 in Table 111 and example 11 in. Table I are illustrative of the anion which may be a part procedure of example '1 or example 13 was used.

' EXAMPLE 35 Utilizing theprocedure of example 1, 0.49 g. (1.25 mmoles) of phenylmercuric trifluoroacetate, 0.009 g. (0.01 2 mmole)'of bis(triphenylphosphine)dichloropalladium (11) and 10 ml. of methanol was reacted with a mixture of carbon monoxide (200 psig) and carbondi- TABLE III 7 Reaction Conditions Ex- I CO am- Murcurial "Feed Alcohol/ Catalyst pressure Time Temp. 1 Yield ple (g.) (mmole) Solvent (ml) (g.) V (mmole) (psig) (hr.) C) Product(s) 31 n-Hexylmercuric CH OH (250) Tris(triphenylphosphine)- 72 Methyl heptanoate 72 bromide chlororhodium (1) (5.84) (15.0) (0.10) (0.10) 32 Pivaloxymercuri- CH OH (150) Bis(triphenylphosphine) 5.0 75 Methyl B-isodurilate 20 mesitylene dichloropalladium (11) (5.05) (12.0) (0.084) (0.12) 33 Phenylmercuric CH OH (10) Bis(triphenylphosphine)- 100 k 75 Methyl benzoate 56 nitrate Tetrahydrodichloropalladium (11) (0.425) (1.25) furan (l0) (0.009) (0.012) r 34 Phenylmercuric CH OH (10) Bis(triphenylphosphine)- 100 /2 150 Methyl benzoate 26 chloride Tetrahydrodichloropalladium (ll) (0.392) (1.25) furan (10) (0.009) (0.012)

TABLE IV Reaction Conditions Ex- Presam- Mercurial Feed Alcohol/ Catalyst sure Time Temp. Yield ple (g.) (mmole) Solvent (m1.) (g.) (mmole) psig (hr.) (C) Product(s) 37 Phenylmercuric trifluoro- CH OH (20) Palladium acetate (0.005) (0.05) 500 1 100 Methyl benzoate- 23 1.95) (5.0 Triphenylphosphine (0.026) (0.10) 38 Phenylmercuric nitrate cn on (10) Palladium nitrate (0.425) (1.25) Tetrahydrofuran (0.0028) (0.012) 100 l 75 Methyl benzoate l2 v (10) 39 Phenylmercuric trifluoro- CH Ol-1 (20) Disodium tetrachloro- 100 V2 75 Methyl benzoate 7 acetate palladate (1.56) (4.0.) (0.012) (0.04) 40 Phenylmercuric trifluoro- CH OH (20) Palladium chloride 200 /z 75 Methyl benzoat'e 24 acetate (0.018) (0.10) (1.95) (5.0) 41 Phenylmercuric trifluoro- CH OH (20) Palladium chloride 200 1% 75 Methyl benzoate 72 acetate (0.018) (0.10)

( 1 .95) (5.0) Triphenylphosphine (0.026) (0.10) 42 Phenylmercuric, nitrate CH OH (l0) Bis (tri-n-butyl- 100 A 75 Methyl benzoate 69 (0.425) (1.25) Tetrahydrofuran phosphine dichloro- (10) palladium (ll) (0.007) (0.012) 43 Phenylmercuric trifluoro- CH OH (20) Palladium dichloride 200 516 75 Methyl benzoate 21 acetate (0.018) (0.10)

(1.95 (5.0) Bis( l,2-diphenylphosphine)-ethane (0.040) (0.10) 44 Phenylmercuric trifluoro- CH OH (20) Palladium dichloride acetate (0.009) (0.050) 500 b 75 methyl benzoate 60 1.95) (5.0) Triisopropylphosphite (0.020) (0.10) 45 Phenylmercuric acetate CH OH (150) Tetrakis(triphenyl- 275 2.0 150 Methyl benzoate 50 (16.8) (50) phosphineypalladium (0) g v (0.115) (0.10) 46 Phenylmercuricacetate CH OH (150) Tetrakis(triphenyl- 280 2.0 15 Methyl benzoate 34 (16.8) (50) phosphineyplatinum (O) v (0.125) (0.10) 47 Phenylmercuric trifluoro- CH OH (150) Tris(triphenyl- 0.4 85 Methyl benzoate 56 acetate phosphine )-chloro- (15.6) (40) rhodium (1) (0.095) (0.10) 48 Phenylmercuricacetate CH OH Bis(triphenyl- 275 1.0 150 Methyl benzoate 35 (16.8) (50) ph05phine)-dichloro platinum TABLE IV-continued Mercurial Feed Alcohol/ (g-) (mmole) Catalyst Solvent (ml.)

49 1-Acetoxymercuri-2- EXAMPLE 50 The palladium complex [(C 11 P(CH SiCl PdCl ,was prepared according to the teaching set forth in German Pat. No. 2,062,351, and reacted with dehydrated cab-o-sil to give an insoluble, supported palladium catalyst. Following the procedure of example 1, 0.04 mmole of this catalyst, 1.56 g. (4 mmoles) of phenylmercuric trifluoroacetate, ml. of methanol, and 300 psig of carbon monoxide were charged to a 45 m1. Parr bomb and reacted at 75C. for one-half hour to give a 24% yield of methyl benzoate based on starting mercurial. The catalyst was then filtered, washed with methanol and charged to a second reaction identical to the first. This gave 6% methyl benzoate. The catalyst from the second run was filtered, washed and charged to an identical third reaction which gave 5% methyl benzoate.

EXAMPLE 51 Graphite, palladium chloride, and chlorine were heated together to give a palladium chloride-impreg- EXAMPLE 52 The sodium salt of Amberlyst l5 (Rohm & Haas Companys styrene-divinyl benzene copolymer based sulfonic acid cation exchange resin) was treated with equimolar aqueous palladium (ll) chloride by shaking at room temperature. The treated resin was washed consecutively with water, acetic acid and finally metha- (mmole) Cl-l Ol-l (250) Bis(triphenyl phosphine )chlorochlorocarbonyliridium Reaction Conditions Pres sure p Time (hr-l Temp.

Yield (70) MethylB-methoxy 8 heptanoate Product(s) nol before drying at ambient temperature (150 mm.)

In a 500 ml. glass bomb were placed 1.0 g. of the above resin, 3.1 g. phenylmercuric trifluoroacetate, and 75 ml methanol. The bomb was pressured to 60 psig with carbon monoxide and then was shaken at 80C. for 4 hrs. Gas chromatographic analysis of the cooled reaction mixture indicated a 25% yield of methyl benzoate.

EXAMPLE 53 Amberlyst 15 resin was treated with a mole excess of aqueous palladium (ll) chloride by shaking at room temperature. The resin. was collected by filtration, washed first with water and then with methanol, and dried. The resin was added to a solution of triphenylphosphine in ethanol and slurried for 3 hrs. at room temperature. Again the resin was washed and dried.

In a 500 ml. glass bomb were placed 1.0 g. of the above resin, 3.1 g. phenylmercuric trifluoroacetate and 75 ml. methanol. Reactor contents were subjected to 60 psig carbon monoxide pressure, 90C. heat, and shaking for 1.5 hr. Gas chromatographic analysis of the cooled reaction mixture indicated a 58% yield of methyl benzoate.

The resin-supported catalyst was separated from the reaction mixture and was added to a fresh charge of arylmercurial, alcohol and carbon monoxide as above. Heating at 90C. with shaking for 1.5 hr. produced a 60% yield of ester.

EXAMPLES 54-62 Examples 54 to 62 (see Table V) demonstrate the variety of alcohols and acids which may be employed as part of the reaction shown in eq. 6. Generally, the method of example 13 was used for the alcohols whereas the method of example 1 was used for the acids.

TAB LE V Reaction Conditions CO Example Mercurial Feed (g) (mmole) Alcohol or Acid/ Solvent (ml.)

Catalyst (g) (mmole) Pressure p Time hr.

Temp.-

7 Product(s) Yield t% Ethyl Alcohol 2Propan0l 1.2-Ethanediol (200) tert-butyl Alcohol (150) Phenol (100) Tetrahydrofuran 1 l-Octanol (150) Allyl alcohol Bis(triphenylphosphine dichloropalladium (11) (0.10) (0.14) Bis( triphenylphosphine dichloropalladium (11) Bis( triphenylphosphine dichloropalladim (11) (0.10) (0.14) Bis( triphenylphosphine dichloropalladium (11) Bis( triphenylphosphine dichloi'opalladium (11) (0.070) (0.10)

Bis( triphenylphosphine dichloropalladium (11) (0.070) (0.10) Bis(triphenylphosphine)- dichloropalladium (11) (0.070) (0.10)

Ethyl be nzoate Isopropyl benzoate B-Hydro xyethyl benzoate Benzoic Acid Phenyl benzoate Octyl benzoate Allyl benzoate TABLE V- Continued,

Alcohol or Acid/ Reaction Conditions Mercurial Feed Catalyst Pressure Time Temp- Yield Example (g) (mmole) Solvent (ml) (g) (mmole) psig hr. C Product(s) (7H 61 Phenylmercuric Acetic Acid Bis(triphenylphosphine)- 300 0.5 75 Benzoic Acid 53 acetate dichloropalladium (II) (1.35) (4.0) (0.028) (0.04) 62 Phenylmercuric Trifluoroacetic Bis(triphenylphosphine)- 300 0.5 75 Benzoic Acid 35 acetate acid dichloropalladium (II) (1.56) (4.0) (20) (0.028) (0.04)

What is claimed is:

1 A method for preparing nonheterocyclic carboxylic acid esters, said method comprising the steps of reacting an organo mercury compound of the formula R--HgQ wherein R is one selected from the group consisting of C C linear, branched and cyclic alkyls, alkenyls, and alkynyls; and C ,C aryls and bears one or more substituents located at any position on the carbon skeleton, which substituents are selected from the group consisting of halide, hydroxide, carboxylate, carboxyl, carboalkoxyl, cyano, amino, acylamino, alkylamino, arylamino, nitro, sulfonate, carbonyl aryl, alkoxyl, aryloxyl, acyl, aroyl, nitrate, hydrosulfide, alkylsulfide, arylsulfide, and azide, and Q is an anion selected from the group consisting of chloride, bromide, iodide, perchlorate, nitrate, sulfate, bisulfate, hydroxide, alkoxide, aryloxide, acetate, propionate, butyrate, pivalate, neohexanoate, benzoate, chloroacetate, trichloroacetate, trifiuoroacetate, methyl sulfonate, phenyl sulfonate, trifluoromethyl sulfonate with carbon monoxide and an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst, said catalyst being characterized by one of the following formulae:

wherein R can be the same or different and each are ones selected from the group consisting of C C linear and branched hydrocarbyl; C C cyclic alkyls, C C alkenyls; C C alkynyls; C C alkoxy; C C aryloxy and C C aryl; said R groups can be substituted with halides, hydroxides, carboxylate, carboxyl, carboalkoxyl, cyano, amino, acylamino, C -C alkylamino, nitro, sulfonate, C C arylamino, carbonyl, C -C aryl, C C alkoxyl, CFC) aryloxyl, acyl and aroyl; Z is either a metal or metal oxide and is one selected fromthe group consisting of phosphorus, arsenic, antimony and the pentavalent oxide of each; A is selected from the group consisting of carbonyl, nitrile, isonitrile, and amine; M is a Group VIII metal; Q is an anion; m is an integer ranging from 0 to 4; x is an integer ranging from 0 t0 3; n is an integer ranging from 0 to 4; and the values of m and n are determined by the oxidation state of the Group VIII metal.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said organo mercury compound is one selected from the group consisting of vinylmercuric acetate, trifluoroacetoxymercuricarbomethoxybenzene, 4,4-bis(- trifluoroacetoxymercuri)biphenyl, trifluoroacetoxymercuri-p-xylene, acetoxymercuri aniline, acetoxymercuri pseudocumene, acetoxymercuri polystyrene, trifluoroacetoxymercuri dimethyl terephthalate, 2,3- bis( acetoxymercuri )nap hthalene, 4-( acetoxymercuri l,2-dimethyl benzene, 4-(acetoxymercuri l ,3- dimethyl benzene, 4,5-bis(acetoxymercuri)-l,2-

dimethyl benzene, 4,6-bis(trifluoroacetoxymercuri)- l,3-dimethyl benzene.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the alcohol is represented by R(OH),,' wherein R is one selected from the group consisting of primary, secondary and tertiary C C aliphatic and cycloaliphatic, C -C alkenyl, C C alkynyl, C ,C hydroxy substituted aromatic and n ranges from 1 to 6.

4. A method according to claim 1 wherein the partial pressure of carbon monoxide ranges from 0.01 to 1000 atmospheres.

5. A method according to claim 1 wherein the temperature ranges from 0 to 500C. and the pressure ranges from 1 to 1000.

6. A method according to claim 1 wherein the alcohol is present in an amount ranging from 1 to l000 moles of alcohol per mole of CO mercurial compound.

7. A method according to claim 2 wherein a cosolvent is employed.

8. A method according to claim 5 wherein said cosolvent is one selected from the group consisting of C -C alkanes; C C aromatic hydrocarbons; halocarbons; esters; nitro compounds; nitriles; carbonates; sulfoxides and sulfones.

9. A method according to claim 8 wherein the amount of cosolvent ranges from 1 to 500 volume per cent relative to the amount of alcohol present.

10. A method according to claim 1 further including the step of recycling the metallic mercury produced as a byproduct in said method.

11. A method for preparing nonheterocyclic carboxylic acids, said method comprising the steps of reacting an organo mercury compound of the formula RHgQ wherein R is one selected from the group consisting of C,C linear, branched and cyclic alkyls, alkenyls, and alkynyls; and C C aryls and bears one or more substituents located at any position in the carbon skeleton which substituents are selected from the group consisting of halide, hydroxide, carboxylate, carboxyl, carboalkoxyl, cyano, amino, acylamino, alkylamino, arylamino, nitro, sulfonate, carbonyl, aryl alkoxyl, aryloxyl, acyl, aroyl, nitrate, hydrosulfide, alkylsulfide, arylsulfide, and azide; and Q is an anion selected from the group consisting of chloride, bromide, iodide, perchlorate, nitrate, sulfate, bisulfate, hydroxide, alkoxide, aryloxide, acetate, propionate, butyrate, pivalate, neohexanoate, benzoate, chloroacetate, trichloroacetate, trifluoroacetate, methyl sulfonate, phenylsulfonate, trifluoromethyl sulfonate with carbon monoxide and an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst, said catalyst being characterized by one of the following formulae:

I ll

wherein R" can be the same or different and each are ones selected from the group consisting of C C linear and branched hydrocarbyl; C C cyclic alkyls, C C alkenyls; C C alkynyls; C C alkoxy; C C aryloxy and C -C aryl; said R groups can be substituted with halides, hydroxides, carboxylate, carboxy], carboalkoxyl, cyano, amino, acylamino, C -C alkylamino, nitro, sulfonate, C C arylamino, carbonyl, C C aryl, C C alkoxyl, C -C aryloxyl, acyl and aroyl; Z is either a metal or metal oxide and is one selected from the group consisting of phosphorus, arsenic, antimony and the pentavalent oxide of each; A is selected from the group consisting of carbonyl, nitrile, isonitrile, and amine; M is a Group VIII metal; Q is an anion; m is an integer ranging from O to 4; x is an integer ranging from 0 to 3; n is an integer ranging from O to 4; and the values of m and n are determined by the oxidation state of the Group VIII metal.

12. A method according to claim 11 wherein said carboxylic acid is a C C low molecular weight acid.

13. A method according to claim 11 further including the step of recycling the metallic mercury produced as a byproduct in said method. 

1. A METOD FOR PREPARING NONHEERSCYCLIC CARBOXYLIC ACID ESTERS, SAID METHOD COMPRISING HE STEPS F REACTING AN ORGANO MERCURY COMPOUND OF THE FORMULA R-HGQ WHEREIN R IS ONE SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF C1-C30 LINEAR, BRANCHED AND CYCLIC ALKYLS, ALKENYLS, AND ALKYNYLS, AND C6-C18 ARYLS AND BEARS ONE OR MORE SUBSTITUENTS LOCATED AT ANY POSITION ON THE CARBON SKELETON, WHICH SUBSTITUENTS ARE SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF HALIDE, HYDROXIDE, CARBOXYLATE, CARBOXYL, CARBOALKOXYL, CYANO, AMINO, ACYLAMINO, ALKYLAMINO, ARYLAMINO, NITRO, SULFONATE, CARBONYL ARYL, ALKOXYL, ARYLOXYL, ACYL, AROYL, NITRATE, HYDROSULFIDE, ALKYLSULFIDE, ARYLSULFIDE, AND AZIDE, AND Q IS AN ANION SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF CHLORIDE, BROMIDE, IODIDE, PERCHLORATE, NITRATE, SULFATE, BISULFATE, HYDROXIDE, ALKOXIDE, ARYLOXIDDE, ACETATE, PROPIONATE, BUTYRATE, PIVALATE, NEOHEXANOATE, BENZOATE, CHLOROACETATE, TRICHLOROACETATE, TRIFLUOROACETATE, METHYL SULFONATE, PHENYL SULFONATE, TRIFLUOROMETHYL SULFONATE WITH CARBON MONOXIDE AND AN ALCOHOL IN THE PRESENCE OF A CATALYST, SAID CATALYST BEING CHARACTERIZED BY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING FORMULAE::
 2. A method accordiNg to claim 1 wherein said organo mercury compound is one selected from the group consisting of vinylmercuric acetate, trifluoroacetoxymercuricarbomethoxybenzene, 4,4''-bis(trifluoroacetoxymercuri)biphenyl, trifluoroacetoxymercuri-p-xylene, acetoxymercuri aniline, acetoxymercuri pseudocumene, acetoxymercuri polystyrene, trifluoroacetoxymercuri dimethyl terephthalate, 2,3-bis(acetoxymercuri)naphthalene, 4-(acetoxymercuri)-1,2-dimethyl benzene, 4-(acetoxymercuri)-1,3-dimethyl benzene, 4,5-bis(acetoxymercuri)-1,2-dimethyl benzene, 4,6-bis(trifluoroacetoxymercuri)-1,3-dimethyl benzene.
 3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the alcohol is represented by R''(OH)n wherein R'' is one selected from the group consisting of primary, secondary and tertiary C1-C30 aliphatic and cycloaliphatic, C3-C20 alkenyl, C3-C20 alkynyl, C6-C20 hydroxy substituted aromatic and n'' ranges from 1 to
 6. 4. A method according to claim 1 wherein the partial pressure of carbon monoxide ranges from 0.01 to 1000 atmospheres.
 5. A method according to claim 1 wherein the temperature ranges from 0* to 500*C. and the pressure ranges from 1 to
 1000. 6. A method according to claim 1 wherein the alcohol is present in an amount ranging from 1 to 1000 moles of alcohol per mole of CO mercurial compound.
 7. A method according to claim 2 wherein a cosolvent is employed.
 8. A method according to claim 5 wherein said cosolvent is one selected from the group consisting of C5-C20 alkanes; C6-C12 aromatic hydrocarbons; halocarbons; esters; nitro compounds; nitriles; carbonates; sulfoxides and sulfones.
 9. A method according to claim 8 wherein the amount of cosolvent ranges from 1 to 500 volume per cent relative to the amount of alcohol present.
 10. A method according to claim 1 further including the step of recycling the metallic mercury produced as a byproduct in said method.
 11. A method for preparing nonheterocyclic carboxylic acids, said method comprising the steps of reacting an organo mercury compound of the formula R-HgQ wherein R is one selected from the group consisting of C1-C30 linear, branched and cyclic alkyls, alkenyls, and alkynyls; and C6-C18 aryls and bears one or more substituents located at any position in the carbon skeleton which substituents are selected from the group consisting of halide, hydroxide, carboxylate, carboxyl, carboalkoxyl, cyano, amino, acylamino, alkylamino, arylamino, nitro, sulfonate, carbonyl, aryl alkoxyl, aryloxyl, acyl, aroyl, nitrate, hydrosulfide, alkylsulfide, arylsulfide, and azide; and Q is an anion selected from the group consisting of chloride, bromide, iodide, perchlorate, nitrate, sulfate, bisulfate, hydroxide, alkoxide, aryloxide, acetate, propionate, butyrate, pivalate, neohexanoate, benzoate, chloroacetate, trichloroacetate, trifluoroacetate, methyl sulfonate, phenylsulfonate, trifluoromethyl sulfonate with carbon monoxide and an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst, said catalyst being characterized by one of the following formulae:
 12. A method according to claim 11 wherein said carboxylic acid is a C2-C10 low molecular weight acid.
 13. A method according to claim 11 further including the step of recycling the metallic mercury produced as a byproduct in said method. 